Reading Royals 2016-17 Season Preview

Last Season: 36-26-6-4, lost in the second round to the Wheeling Nailers

The Royals always have eyes on the playoffs after only missing them 4 times in their history. Reading snuck into the playoffs as the eighth seed (82 points) with excellent goaltending from Martin Ouellette and a stellar rookie forward with Justin Crandall. They ultimately lost to the Wheeling Nailers in game 7 of the second round.

Hot or Not?

Reading has added a veteran presence with forward Kris Newbury. Newbury is entering his 15th pro season and should help Reading’s young talent grow into their potential. Between the pipes, the Royals welcome back Martin Ouellette for his third straight season. Ouellette, who played 31 games with the Royals last year posting a 2.10 GAA and 0.922 Sv%, will be a key factor in if the Royals are successful this season.

Look Who’s Back

Martin Ouellette, G – Led the team in games (31), GAA (2.10), and shutouts (4)

Justin Crandall, F – Scored 55 points (17g, 38a) in 54 games for Reading last season, tied for fourth in the league for Points by a Rookie (2015-16)

Players Who Left

Maxim Lamarche, D – Scored 12 points (5g, 7a) in 27 games with Reading, has been called up to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the AHL

Joey Sides, F – Scored 15 points (9g, 6a) after coming over from Wichita, now playing across the pond in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL)

New Faces

Kris Newbury, F – Signed to a PTO, entering his 15th pro season

Zach Hall, F – Entering his first pro season, scored the only goal for the Royals during their two preseason games

Movin’ On Up

Kevin Sundher, F – On loan from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, only the third player in Royals history to score a hattrick in his first game with the team

Justin Crandall, F – Spent 9 games in the AHL last season (7 with Chicago Wolves, 2 with Albany Devils), was tied for league lead for Power Play Assists by a Rookie (12) last season

Sin Bin Swami Says…

The 2016 season may pose a challenge for the Royal offensively with only one goal and 47 shots on goal through their two preseason games. The Royals’ strength could be between the pipes this season, which can help keep them win close games. Reading has not missed the playoffs since head coach Larry Courville has taken the reigns and that won’t change this season. The Royals make the Kelly Cup Playoffs for the eighth season in a row but fall short of making the finals.

How will season 16 go for the Royals? Let us know by voting in our poll question!